US President Donald Trump has provided an update on the release of American missionary Kevin Rideout, who spent more than nine months in captivity after being kidnapped in Niger.
Trump announced that Rideout had been reunited with his wife, Krista, and was preparing to return to the United States.
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In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“I am happy to reveal that former hostage Kevin Rideout is getting ready to fly home to the United States after having been reunited with his beautiful wife, Krista,” Trump wrote.
The US president described Rideout’s release as the 110th instance of an American captive being freed since he began his second term in office.
Trump added:
“I look forward to seeing Kevin and Krista at the White House soon!”
Rideout was reportedly kidnapped outside his residence in Niamey, Niger, in October 2025.
According to reports, three armed men abducted the American missionary before transporting him toward the Tillaberi region in western Niger, an area that has experienced significant militant activity.
Rideout had spent approximately 19 years working in Niger and served as a pilot for SIM International, a Christian organisation operating in more than 70 countries.
Following his release, the Christian organisation confirmed that Rideout was in good health and receiving care from US officials.
However, authorities have not publicly disclosed details about how his release was secured.
The identities of the people who allegedly held him captive also remain unknown, while the circumstances surrounding the negotiations or operation that led to his freedom have not been made public.